- Audio CD (20 Feb 2006)
- Number of Discs: 3
- Format: Box set
- Label: Golden Stars
- ASIN: B000CQKZH0
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 174,049 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
Amazon.co.uk allows you to pay for your items in your local currency. Restrictions apply. Learn More. |
Product details |
Product Description
3CD! Laswell's Material were a groundbreaking fusion of Jazz, Funk & Punk w/ elements of Hip Hop & World music. Contains the albums "One Down" (1982) and "Temporary Music (1979-81)" as well as the Bill Laswell live album "Into The Outlands" (1988).
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Bill Laswell is the most prolific musician and producer that I know of, and his participation in a musical project is almost a guarantee of its quality and interestingness. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to have control over the release of his back catalogue.
This box set is released on the (apparently Portuguese) Golden Stars label. The CDs are made in Portugal, that noted centre of manufacturing excellence. While the musical content of the CDs is very good, the sound quality of the first CD in particular suggests that the CDs were produced from some ropy masters, which is why I've given this set a four-star rating rather than the five stars that the music itself deserves. The set is good value for money, but I'd rather pay a bit more if it means better quality.
Although there's nothing on the box set to indicate the fact, each of the three CDs is a re-release of a Material/Laswell album that I think is still available separately.
CD1 is "One down" by Material. Originally released in 1982, this was Material's "commercial" record. Nile Rodgers plays his distinctive choppy guitar on a couple of tracks, and the vocalists include Nona Hendryx, who also sung with Talking Heads around this time. All but two of the nine tracks are original Material material (ouch); one track is a reworking of a song by Sly & the Family Stone, and another track is a cover of an old Wilde Flowers ballad sung by a young Whi(t)ney Houston. With some four-on-the-floor disco grooves and Giorgio Moroder-style synths and vocoders, this funky album belongs to the better class of early 1980s' dance music.
CD2 is the collection of early Material EPs that was released in 1992 as "Temporary music (1979-1981)" and as "Secret life" in the UK. It's fine music, played well: innovative electronic punk-funk that, because of its element of originality, doesn't sound dated like "One down". The first four tracks, from 1979, stand out. 25 years on, the music sounds more contemporary than temporary.
CD3 is "Into the outlands" by SXL (1988), subsequently re-released under Laswell's name. It contains a couple of 20-minute tracks from live performances in Japan in 1987. I'd not heard this album before, and I was pleased to find that it featured four of the the Samulnori percussion ensemble from Korea. (I saw the impressive Samulnori play twice in the UK in the 1980s.) Besides Laswell on bass, the other musicians are the Indian violinist L Shankar, Aiyb Dieng on percussion and Ronald Shannon Jackson on drums. After an unpromising start, the first track goes through a few changes, finishing with an energetic 12/8 workout. The second track builds up to an extended bash by the Samulnori guys, then ends with a section in which Shankar's violin and vocals are to the fore, though neither his violin-playing nor singing is particularly inspired. The album isn't one of Laswell's best (which is probably why it has found its way onto the Golden Stars label), but it's still worth a listen.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Bill's Unbelievable
1 Dec 2006
Format:Audio CD
This three CD set is of previously released material found on three different albums: One Down, Secret Life, and Into The Outlands. See their individual listings for additional reviews.
One Down was originally released in 1982. The edgy experimentation is very enjoyable to listen to.
Secret Life consists of 12 tracks from 1979 - 1985 and is a great example of Laswell/Material's early work.
Into The Outlands was recorded live in Osaka in 1987 with Shankar, Aiyd Dieng, and Ronald Shannon and consists of two songs each lasting over 20 minutes. You need to love percussion to appreciate these tracks, and I do!
This is a fantastic purchase for Laswell lovers.
One Down was originally released in 1982. The edgy experimentation is very enjoyable to listen to.
Secret Life consists of 12 tracks from 1979 - 1985 and is a great example of Laswell/Material's early work.
Into The Outlands was recorded live in Osaka in 1987 with Shankar, Aiyd Dieng, and Ronald Shannon and consists of two songs each lasting over 20 minutes. You need to love percussion to appreciate these tracks, and I do!
This is a fantastic purchase for Laswell lovers.
2 of 11 people found the following review helpful
THIS HAS CLASSIC STATUS written on it in a Place in Red, White and Blue!
9 July 2006
Format:Audio CD
THIS MAN IS A GENIUS! If there are any objections sustained on the standing up for the truth guidelines of Funk law and order, please be the first to fulfill the ignominy of such. Chief Sun Star Ali hears and feels the very essence of the far east coast connection, and some reel reel Mean Mugging. Prepare once again the sound system, for the "Deeper Prophecy is Clear!" Flick the lights, for the 'Last Dance' is near. HE AND ARTIST FUNK MASTER GEORGE CLINTON are Star Disciples of MUSIC.
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
